power steering drop off

[Epiphone]

Hi guys

anyody experienced it when driving for a long time, without really using the power steering, such as on the motorway, then when suddenly needing to steer, the power steering feels really heavy?

Then after a while, using the power steering more, it seems to become lighter again?

could that be a problem or just an issue with flow of the power steering fluid in the rack, as I have installed a whole new power steering hose when the old metal pipes broke.

[Cableguy]

I get that on my car sometimes, turns out the fluid was low.
I just top it up and it works fine.
Just a thought.

[jamesc76]

could that be a problem or just an issue with flow of the power steering fluid in the rack, as I have installed a whole new power steering hose when the old metal pipes broke.

Bleed it through and fill with oil should solve it, how old is the pump???

[Epiphone]

was bled through in January when the hose was installed.

not sure how old the pump is, could be original from '89

Ok will check the levels again to be sure.

[syncrosimon]

Check the filter in the bottom of the fluid reservoir. My power steering was very noisy, cleaned out the filter in new fluid, and no more noises. I seem to think that the steering was a little heavy at times. The blocked filter will make the pump struggle. I cant find a part number for this filter on it's own.

[Epiphone]

Hi, I still havent checked the power steering bottom of the fluid reservoir, but inbetween the engine has been out of the bus. Would the mechanic have drained the power steering to do this? Or would he only have blocked off the pipes before removing the pump.

As since, when first starting the bus from cold, power steering screeches when on steering is full on, left and right, is that the belt or the pump struggling?

[jason k]

sounds like low fluid. dont be driving it when low / dry

[billy739]

poss just worn loose belt

you can remove the engine withoutundoing the hoses if you remove the pump from the engine